New Pastry!
“Santa’s Favorite!”: Chai Chocolate Cream sits atop Hazelnut Caramel, laid in a Sugardough Shell. Just a tidbit, the Chai tea used is a Black Masala Chai tea provided by our wonderful neighbors, Zen Tea (http://ezentea.com/ezt/main.php ).

Thanksgiving Orders:
As always, we encourage everyone to place orders for whatever you may need for Thanksgiving Breakfast, snacks, Dinner, snacks, Dessert and yes, more snacks. We will be open normal hours Wednesday, November 23^rd (8 AM – 6 PM). Here’s a list of what will be available this coming week:
- Cheesestraws: Puff Pastry twisted up with Swiss Cheese, Paprika and Salt. Available with one day’s notice.
- Stöllen: A German type of fruitcake, but breadier and made with almond paste. Ensured to be moist as it is “well doused” with melted butter.
- Quiche: Tomato and Mushroom, Spinach or Lorraine, all available with a days notice.
- Baguette Chips: Have dip? We have the chip! Our baguettes sliced thinly, drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with garlic powder and crisped up in the oven.
- Pecan Tarte: Pecans, Honey, Caramelized Sugar on a Sugar Dough base.
- Apple Alsacienne: Granny Smith Apples baked with lightly flavored Kirsch Cream and thin layer of crushed Hazelnuts on a Puff Pastry Base.
- Mixed Fruit Tarte: Sugar Dough base with a thin piece of Marzipan, Bavarian Cream and topped with Fresh Fruit.
- Fresh Breads! Croissants, Brioche, Hard Rolls, Danish, Baguettes, oh my!

Don’t forget about St. Nicolas day!
I did tell this story last year, but don’t you want to hear it again?? Did you ever wonder why in the world we make hand molded shoes and boots filled with chocolate truffles for the holidays? It’s for St. Nicolas day, December 6^th! Legend has it that once upon a time, 3 children wandered away and got lost in a village in the Lorraine area of France. Amidst this area, a wicked butcher lured them into his shop where he …well let’s just say it wasn’t good for the 3 kiddos. But there is a happy ending to the creepy story!! Hooray for St. Nicolas who came to save them! Through his intervention, the boys were restored to life and returned to their families! In honor of St. Nicolas and FUN, the night before St. Nicolas day, children put out their shoes (instead of stockings), and sing a song to him before going to bed. Next day, they hopefully find their shoes filled with sweet treats or birch twigs, whichever the case may be. So, now you know and you’ll be that much more prepared for your next night at Trivia!

Bulk Chocolate!
Just a reminder for those of you who have taken a chocolate class and are planning on making delicious treats for friends and family over the holidays… With several days notice, we will be selling our chocolate chopped in small pieces at $8/pound. However, during our busy holiday season (December through April), please understand that we may not be able to fill any requests due to our own immediate needs.

Holiday Hours!
JUST for the holidays, our store hours will be Monday 9 AM – 5 PM (for gift shopping only, sorry – no baked items). And for the rest of the week, our hours are as normal: Tuesday thru Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM and Saturday, 8 AM – 5 PM. If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call before you head over!

Bûche de Noël time is coming!!
We apologize again for any orders we could not fulfill last year. This is just another encouragement to order whatever you may need sooner than later so we can do whatever we can to get you what you would like. The following is what we are offering this year for the Bûche de Noël, or Yule Log cake:
Chocolate Buttercream with Chocolate Cake
Mocha Buttercream with Yellow Cake
Available in either 6” ($24.00) or 10” ($40.00) sizes
Please call ahead to place an order!

Thank you again!
Robert, Patricia and Katia
http://www.maisonrobertchocolates.com/
5256 Peachtree Rd, Suite 110, Atlanta, GA 30341
770/454-6442
Open Tuesday-Friday 8AM-6PM, Saturday 8AM-5PM

Independence Day is already this coming Monday! Papa and I will be running the Peachtree Road Race together and we hope to see some friendly faces along the way. I’m sure many of you out there will be running as well, so “May the Course Be With You”!

HOLIDAY WEEKEND HOURS:
Saturday, July 2^nd, we will be closing EARLY at 3 PM.

4^th of July dessert ideas:
Apple Alsacienne: Not exactly grandma’s Apple Pie, but oh so delicately delicious…Puff Pastry base, sprinkling of crushed Hazelnuts and Granny Smith apples baked in a lightly Kirsch flavored custard. If no one buys the one we have in our display case, I might just take it home and eat it for post-Peachtree breakfast. ($24/serves 8, available with one day’s notice)
Mixed Fruit Tarte: kind of like an edible boom, boom (firecracker), this creamy beauty has a sugardough base, thin sheet of Marzipan, lightly Kirsch flavored Bavarian cream and topped with a variety of colorful, fresh fruit. ($24/serves 8, available with one day’s notice)

Classes:
Just a reminder, the July class is “Christmas in July” (Bûche de Noël).
As you may know, during the Christmas season, we make Christmas Yule logs, otherwise known as a Bûche de Noël. In this class, we will make the genoise (cake layer), buttercream, and meringue mushrooms. We will then demo how to put it together, how to decorate and then everyone will get to finish their own small bûche to take home! Time permitting, you will learn how to temper chocolate to make chocolate decorations!
Cost $100
Time: 9 AM – Noon (with lunch, provided by us, directly following the class)
Dates offered: July 16, 20, 23, and 30

New dessert:
We have a new Summertime dessert, called “This is not a Cupcake”: Sugardough base, Mango Bavarian Cream, thin piece of dark chocolate and topped with Passion Fruit Chiboust. Light and refreshing, a perfect dessert for your summer time barbeques! Our new neighbor, Le Caveau Fine Wines has the following incredible wine that pairs well with it: 1995 Barrere Clos Cancaillau Cuvee Gourmadise Jurancon (or you can ask for the white dessert wine with a man’s face on the label).

VACATION SCHEDULE:
Please note, we will be closing our doors for vacation from Sunday, August 14 through Monday, August 29. We will re-open on Tuesday, August 30.

Thank you again!
Robert, Patricia and Katia
http://www.maisonrobertchocolates.com/
5256 Peachtree Rd, Suite 110, Atlanta, GA 30341
770/454-6442
Open Tuesday-Friday 8AM-6PM, Saturday 8AM-5PM

CLASS SCHEDULE UPDATE:
So, hands down, the favorite classes to sign up for this season have been the Croissants/ Baguettes/Brioche and Macarons de Paris classes. All of them are full! To make room for more people, we have decided to change some classes around. The updated schedule will be posted on-line and the details are listed below as well:

CANCELED:
Beginning Chocolate Truffle Classes, Wednesday, 10/5, Saturday 10/8 and Saturday, 10/15.
ADDED:
Macarons de Paris Wednesday, 10/5 and Saturday, 10/8
Croissants/Baguettes/Brioche Saturday, 10/15

Beginning Chocolate Box is now a Beginning Chocolate Birdhouse class! Details are as follows:
Have you been around Maison Robert during Easter? If so, you know two things: we know how to clone Easter Bunnies and we make birdhouses made entirely out of chocolate! In this class, we will make a small chocolate birdhouse as you have seen during Easter. We will show you some decorating ideas, as well as how to make an easy chocolate confection, the Mendiant. So you can fill the birdhouse with chocolate treats as well! This class covers basic tempering techniques and no prior experience is required!
Cost $100
Time: 9AM – 1PM (with lunch, provided by us, directly following the class)
Dates Offered: Wednesday, 10/19 and Saturday, 10/22

NEW DESSERT:
Sugardough base, Mango Bavarian Cream, thin piece of dark chocolate and topped with Passion Fruit Chiboust. Papa says it’s “nyum, nyum” which is French for “yum, yum.” And I have titled it, “This is not a Cupcake.” Just for grins…

FATHER’S DAY:
Okay, so whose father is cooler than mine? Yours, right? Of course! Come by for Chocolate Golf Balls flavored with Rum, Kirsch or Plain Fondant. Or maybe some breads or quiche for Sunday morning breakfast. We have some ideas for your “cooler than mine” father.

VACATION SCHEDULE:
Please note, we will be closing our doors for vacation from Sunday, August 14 through Monday, August 29. We will re-open on Tuesday, August 30.

NEAT-O LINKS:
Planning a trip to Paris this summer? Check these out for your foodie planning purposes:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2011/may/06/top-10-cafes-paris
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2011/may/06/top-10-french-rench-patisseries-paris
In anticipation for the Macarons de Paris class (or just general interest), check out the following link provided by www.parispatisseries.com. This indeed how the Parisians do it: http://bit.ly/lvB3Rn

Thank you again!
Robert, Patricia and Katia
http://www.maisonrobertchocolates.com/
5256 Peachtree Rd, Suite 110, Atlanta, GA 30341
770/454-6442
Open Tuesday-Friday 8AM-6PM, Saturday 8AM-5PM

So, the Easter bunny just hopped away. And in his/her wake, here comes Mother’s Day (this Sunday, May 10^th). And we love our mothers, right? And your mother loves chocolate and pastries, right? We hope so anyway!
Mother’s Day ideas:
-          As in years past, we have again made this year some chocolate boxes filled with our assortment of truffles. Available in small or large, milk or dark chocolate. All prices are based on weight. On average, small sizes are around $24 and large sizes are around $46.
-          We have loads of delightful gift items filled with chocolate as well as gorgeous teapots and mugs for any last minute present.
-          Fresh breads or Quiche for Sunday Brunch! Call ahead for whatever you may need!

May Classes:
Just in case you’re interested in our May classes, we still have some spots open for the following class:
Beginning Chocolate Truffle Class: Learn the basics of making a ganache and tempering chocolate! We will start off class by making a ganache (truffle center). We will then go over how to temper chocolate. You will make paper cornets and learn how to make various cake/pastry decorations as well as a chocolate confection, Mendiants! Then we will return to the ganache after it has set up and learn how to make a rolled truffle as well as how to dip truffles! Before you know it, you’ll be dipping with ease just like Papa!
Cost $100
Time: 9 AM- 1 PM (with lunch, provided by us, directly following the class)
Dates offered:
May 14, 18, 21, 28
*** If you are interested in our other classes, please check our website for more information: http://www.maisonrobertchocolates.com/classes/

Picnic Lunches (or Chastain concerts):
Aren’t you all loving this weather? Well, except for the occasional torrential downpour of course. Anyway, when it’s been nice, it’s been really nice. And I would venture to guess that a Spring picnic is really nice as well. So, just a reminder, we offer fresh sandwiches, salads and quiche! Take a look at our menu, give us a call ahead and we can have a picnic ready for you in a snap (including our Baguette chips, ice tea and dessert!). The only thing you need to show up with is the blanket! Treat your someone special to a romantic, spur-of-the-moment Springtime treat! http://www.maisonrobertchocolates.com/lunch/

Le Caveau Fine Wines:
Who’s happier to have a neighbor than us??? We get really cold during the winter months, so we’re assuming a new neighbor with WINE will help us more than warming our interior walls. Super nice people, Eric and Carrie are opening up Le Caveau Fine Wines around the 3^rd week of May. Check out their website for coming soon details:
http://lecaveauwine.com/

Thank you again and Happy Spring!
Robert, Patricia and Katia
http://www.maisonrobertchocolates.com/
5256 Peachtree Rd, Suite 110, Atlanta, GA 30341
770/454-6442
Open Tuesday-Friday 8AM-6PM, Saturday 8AM-5PM

The first year I worked in New York at Financier Patisserie, I was asked to help with the Easter chocolate production. Even though my father trained me, being faced with the task of tempering a bowl full of chocolate that’s big enough for you to bathe in, I couldn’t help but to have a slightly increased heart rate. As I brushed the molds fast and furiously, I finally took notice to the shapes. Fish. There were fish. I mean there were bunnies too, but more fish. I had only been there about a month, so I was so not brave enough to ask. The next year I asked. And funny thing was, no one could really give me a straight answer. I kept on asking what the symbolism was and in return I was told, “just make zem!” Oui, Chef.

Turns out, the fish is more of a practical joke. “Poisson d’Avril” literally means “April Fish”. It’s more of an April Fool’s joke. On April 1^st, Children run around trying to stick paper fish to the backs of unsuspecting adults. If they get one on, the child will run in the opposite direction screaming, “Poisson d’Avril”! It’s more of a symbol for April and more fun for the children, which is never a bad thing.

On to the flying bells. The Thursday before Good Friday, all church bells in France are silenced in acknowledgement of Jesus’ death. Upon not hearing the ringing bells, and as every observant French child is, I’m sure they then ask their parents “Où sont passée les sonneries des cloches?” (Where are the bells ringing bells today?). Parents tell the children that the bell’s chimes have flown to Rome to see the Pope. Easter morning, the bells ring out once again in celebration of the Resurrection, declaring that Jesus is alive again. As the bells fly back, they are said to drop chocolate eggs, bells and bunnies into the gardens of the French towns.

The moral of the story is, in any language, for Easter, don’t forget your chocolate!

It’s Springtime! And then it’s not. And then it’s back on again! Regardless of what the weather may or may not do, the Easter Bunny is coming! Hippity, hoppity!

EASTER!
A little bit later this year, Easter hits Sunday, April 24^th. As in most other “Chocolate Holidays,” we have many items to choose from for your family and friends. There are so many chocolate eggs around you could make a chocolate omelet! Oh dear, that’s why I work in Pastry and not Comedy!
Anyway, the following are available in Milk or Dark Chocolate, Small or Large, and are filled with assorted truffles: Chocolate Birdhouses, Birds Nests, and Eggs. We also have “Chocolate Piñatas” that are hollow, filled with Jelly Beans, chocolate treats and are available in different shapes…you have to break it open to get the prizes! There are also many other beautiful gift items to choose from that are filled with our assorted chocolate truffles. Oh, last but not least, solid chocolate bunnies! You’d think we could clone with all the bunnies hopping around here!

Almond Macaroon Birds Nests: The week before Easter, we will be making these cuties. Made with an Almond Macaroon base, ring of Ganache, filled with a few Jelly Beans and topped with a furry little birdie! Gluten Free!

Other Easter ideas:
Need dessert for Easter dinner? We have LOTS of options. I remember that many people bought many cakes last year. In addition to our regular list of options we will also be adding larger sizes of the following:
Merry Berry – Pistachio and almond cake baked with and decorated with mixed berries.
Apricot Frangipan (or Blackcherry) – Sugar dough baked with frangipan (almond cream) and apricots or blackcherries with apricot glaze.
Both are available in 6” ($24, serves 8) and 8” ($36, serves 12)
Apple Alsacienne – Granny Smith Apples baked with lightly flavored Kirsch cream and thin layer of crushed Hazelnuts on Puff Pastry base.
Fruit Tartes – Sugar dough base with Marzipan, Bavarian Cream filling, then topped with Mixed Fruit or Strawberries.
Available in 8″ (serves 8) $24.00 and 10″ (serves 12) $36.00
Please call ahead to order.

QUICHE! Perfect for Easter Brunch, we have Spinach, Lorraine and Tomato and Mushroom. We’ll be baking extra, but please let us know if you would like us to reserve one or two for you!

PASSOVER!
This year, Passover begins April 18^th and lasts until the 26^th. While I’m still learning about the holiday, I do know that gluten-free treats are a must. And here’s a quick list of most of our offerings:
Coconut and Almond Macaroons, Chocolate Flourless cookies, Meringue Balls, Macarons de Paris, Chocolate Flourless Cake, Caramel Ganache Chocolate Mousse, and all of our chocolates! For a full list, prices and descriptions, take a look at the following link: http://www.maisonrobertchocolates.com/chocolates-more/holiday-items/?phpMyAdmin=Jo3Y6Y2KsSbB79izISAlh-P7PS1

Classes: Thank you for signing up! A few of the classes are filled, but many are still open. Take a look again and let us know if we can reserve a spot for you! http://www.maisonrobertchocolates.com/classes/

Blogs: Do you read any? Here are a few I have found the past year that I enjoy very much. If you have time to subscribe or check them out every now and then, they are good escape for 10 minutes or so:
http://thepariskitchen.com/
http://www.notmartha.org/
http://chocolateandzucchini.com/

Thank you again and Happy Spring!
Robert, Patricia and Katia
http://www.maisonrobertchocolates.com/
5256 Peachtree Rd, Suite 110, Atlanta, GA 30341
770/454-6442
Open Tuesday-Friday 8AM-6PM, Saturday 8AM-5PM

2011 classes are now scheduled! Please note the following:
- There will be a maximum of 6 people per class.
- If 2 people or less sign up for a class, the class will be cancelled.
- Lunch is on us and included with any class!
- You get to take home everything you make!
- Please bring: notepad + pen, apron, hand towels, patience and humor.
- Please CALL or come by to reserve a spot.

Beginning Chocolate Truffle Class: Learn the basics of making a ganache and tempering chocolate! We will start off class by making a ganache (truffle center) that we will cut and dip the second half of the day. We will also go over how to temper chocolate. Then you will make paper cornets and learn how to make various cake/pastry decorations as well as a chocolate confection, Mendiants! The second half of class, we will learn how to make a rolled truffle as well as how to dip truffles! Before you know it, you’ll be dipping and talking to customers with ease just like Papa!
Cost $100
Time: 9 AM – 1 PM (with lunch, provided by us, directly following the class)
Dates offered:
May 14, 18, 21, 28
June: 11, 15
October: 5, 8, 15

Beginning Chocolate Box Class:
Have you been around Maison Robert during Valentine’s Day? If so, you know two things: how crowded it can get and that we make boxes made entirely out of chocolate. Yummy to the tummy indeed.  In this class, we will make a chocolate box similar to the Valentine’s Day boxes, except these will be square shaped. We will show you some decorating ideas, but the final product is up to you! Time permitting, we will also make chocolate spiders!! And then maybe a chocolate coffin!!!
Cost $100
Time: 9 AM – 1 PM (with lunch, provided by us, directly following the class)
Dates Offered: October 19 and 22

Macarons de Paris Class:
Been to Paris? Been to Ladurée? Love les Macarons? We do, too. So, we’re going to have a class dedicated to them. Learn how to make a meringue, proportions of Almond Flour and Confectionary Sugar, and most importantly, how to properly bang a sheetpan after piping…yes, you have be pretty violent in making these incredibly delicate cookies. Also learn how we bake them (may be different with your personal oven) and how to make various fillings. Be prepared to be riding a sugar high for many hours following class…
Cost: $80
Time: 9 AM – Noon, be prepared to stay until 1 if there are questions/ideas (with lunch, provided by us, directly following the class)
Dates Offered: June 22 and 25

“Christmas In July” class (Bûche de Noël):
As you may know, during the Christmas season, we make Christmas Yule logs, otherwise known as a Bûche de Noël. In this class, we will make the genoise (cake layer) and go over what kind of fillings you can use. We will then demo how to put it together, how to decorate and then everyone will get to decorate their own small bûche to take home! Time permitting, you will learn how to temper chocolate to make chocolate decorations!
Cost $100
Time: 9 AM – Noon (with lunch, provided by us, directly following the class)
Dates offered: July 16, 20, 23, and 30

Croissants, Baguettes and Brioches Class:
Yeah for buttery carbs! There are a lot of steps in making croissants, baguettes and brioche, so be prepared to take meticulous notes. In this class you will learn why you need to be forceful and loud in order to make a light and delicate croissant. I will demo, Papa with talk you through the steps and then the class will participate in making a group dough. We will also make some baguettes as well as brioche. Please be prepared to jump from one bread to another and then back again as the doughs need time to rest and proof, etc. At the end of class, we can all have coffee and fresh bread! Sweet!
Cost: $100
Time: 9 AM – 1 PM (with lunch, provided by us, directly following the class)
Dates offered: September 7, 10, 24

Thank you again!
Robert, Patricia and Katia
http://www.maisonrobertchocolates.com/
5256 Peachtree Rd, Suite 110, Atlanta, GA 30341
770/454-6442
Open Tuesday-Friday 8AM-6PM, Saturday 8AM-5PM
Follow us on Twitter: @maisonrobert

Yep, it’s about that time again; Valentine’s Day. Whether you embrace Cupid or want to just slap him out of the way, it’s a comin’ (next Monday, February 14^th!). And there’s so much red in our store right now, you’d think we were hemorrhaging! Personally, I have always enjoyed Valentine’s Day despite my being single for the majority of them. I think it’s because it’s a good way to let anyone know you are thinking about them. I have a thoughtful mother who would always send me a little something when I was away. And I have a sweet father who continues to surprise me with a bottle of wine. Valentine’s Day doesn’t necessarily have to be about how much you “wuv” someone. It can just be a nice way to say, “hey, thought of you and here ya go.” And then the smiling commences and that’s what makes Valentine’s Day a-okay in my book. So, go ahead, embrace your inner cupid! And, of course, we have a few ideas for you:

Chocolate Heart-Shaped Boxes:
We have them in both dark chocolate (basket weave pattern) and milk chocolate (basket weave pattern and marble pattern) and have filled them with our chocolates as well. You can eat everything, including the marzipan roses and Happy Valentine’s Day plaque decorating the cover! They are priced by weight and the following are average prices:
Small (holds 6-8 pcs)……$25-32.00
Medium (holds 11-13 pcs)……$38-50.00
Large (holds 16-17 pcs)…… $60-75.00

Pastries:
- NEW! Hitting the shelves next week, Caramel Ganache Chocolate Mousse! Unfortunately, at some point after Valentine’s Day, our Chocolate Framboise mousse cake will be retired. But to replace it will be this chocolaty beauty. A rich, creamy caramel ganache sandwiched between 2 pieces of flourless chocolate cake, pieces of caramelized hazelnuts and then enrobed with Chocolate Mousse. And it’s gluten-free!
- Heart-Shaped Macarons de Paris! These pink cuties are filled with Raspberry cream and Chocolate Ganache. $2.50/each and made Valentine’s week only!
- Heart-Shaped Mixed Fruite Tarte: Sugardough base, thin layer of marzipan, Kirsch scented Bavarian cream topped with mixed fruit or strawberries. $24, please call ahead to order.
- Starting Tuesday, February 8 and through Valentine’s Day, all of our pastries will have a cute, heart chocolate decoration adorning them. Think of it as an adorable accessory just for the occasion.

Alternative ideas for the “norm” Valentine’s Day gifts:
- Instead of 1 dozen fresh roses, why not a dozen fresh croissants? (Please call ahead to order)
- Want to impress him/her with dinner, but know you’ll be pressed for time on Monday night? How about a Quiche for dinner? Spinach, Tomato and Mushroom, and Quiche Lorraine! Call one day ahead and get whichever flavor suits your fancy.
- Gift Certificates are available for anyone’s shopping pleasure. They can also be used for our classes we will be starting up again after Easter!

SPECIAL VALENTINE’S DAY HOURS:
Sun, 2/13 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Gift and chocolate shopping only, no breads, sandwiches or pastries)
Mon, 2/14 from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Thank you again and Happy Valentine’s Day!
Robert, Patricia and Katia
http://www.maisonrobertchocolates.com/
5256 Peachtree Rd, Suite 110, Atlanta, GA 30341
770/454-6442
Open Tuesday-Friday 8AM-6PM, Saturday 8AM-5PM
Follow us on Twitter: @maisonrobert

So, with Thanksgiving coming up already next week, here comes the Pecan Tarte. It’s funny when I sometimes think how I grew up, the types of food I have always been surrounded by and wonder if I am not a total brat. I mean there are just some things I will not go near. A Pecan Pie, no. A Pecan Tarte, heck yeah! Pecans baked in a buttery and creamy honey caramel anchored by a sugardough base. Simple, lovely and delicious.

Around this time of year, every year growing up, the Pecan Tarte would appear on top of our showcases, wrapped tightly in saran wrap and tied with a bright red bow. I remember always running my fingers over the top just to feel the bumpy pecan pieces. I would hope (maybe pray) that one would be left and we would get to take it home to cut up for ourselves. A gluttonous gourmand I am.

When trying to put together the menu for our new location, Papa always said, “make what makes you happy, what you like.” If you have passed through our doors at our new location, maybe you’ve had the Pecan Bar. It’s the same thing. So, yes, you can have it all year round. But sometimes it’s just more special to have a ‘tarte.’ Give us a call, I can make it with one day’s notice.

]]> http://www.maisonrobertchocolates.com/2010/11/19/pecan-tarte/feed/ 1 http://www.maisonrobertchocolates.com/2010/11/13/1076/ http://www.maisonrobertchocolates.com/2010/11/13/1076/#comments Fri, 12 Nov 2010 22:39:01 +0000 admin http://www.maisonrobertchocolates.com/?p=1076 Gobble, Gobble time! It’s the November Newsletter!

Tis, yes tis the season already. We kind of apologize for getting our Christmas decorations so early. But doesn’t it put you in the mood? Or maybe it makes you a bit nervous? Either way, we are already in festive mode and invite you to be as well! If it makes you feel any better, already at the end of October, the Christmas lights were already up on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. My friend was perplexed and I offered up the perfectly logical reason that maybe it was to get ahead from all the strikes they were having.

New Pastries!

Mango Mousse: Mango Mousse on a Lime Macaron then topped with a Coconut Cream.
Pain Perdu (Bread Pudding): Croissants, French Bread and Strawberries soaked in a custard base, baked, and then splashed with a light Citrus Ginger glaze. If you enjoy it, I can make it in a loaf size as well!

Thanksgiving Grazing table suggestions

Hopefully you all have a grazing table set-up for Thanksgiving munching. If not, come by and we will be more than happy to give you some pointers as we have become experts. The following are some suggestions to help fill out your table:

Cheesestraws – Puff Pastry twisted up with Swiss Cheese, Paprika and lightly salted. Available with one day’s notice.
Stollen – YES! A month earlier than last year! So excited… A type of German fruitcake, but breadier and made with almond paste. Ensured to be moist as it is “well doused” with melted butter.
Quiche – Tomato and Mushroom, Spinach or Lorraine, all available with a day’s notice.
Baguette Chips – Have dip? We have the chip! Our baguettes sliced thinly, drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with garlic powder and crisped up in the oven.

Need Breakfast items or Dessert treats for Turkey Day?

We will be open our normal business hours (8 AM – 6 PM) the day before Thanksgiving and baking a-plenty, but please order whatever you may need just in case we sell-out. We have many items to choose from – however, the following are our suggestions:

Pecan Tarte: Pecans, Honey, Caramelized Sugar on a Sugar Dough base.
Apple Alsacienne: Granny Smith Apples baked with lightly flavored Kirsch Cream and thin layer of crushed Hazelnuts on a Puff Pastry Base.
Mixed Fruit Tarte: Sugar Dough base with a thin piece of Marzipan, Bavarian Cream and topped with Fresh Fruit.
Fresh Breads! Croissants, Brioches, Hard Rolls, Danish, Baguettes, oh my!

Don’t forget about St. Nicholas day!

Did you ever wonder why in the world we make hand-molded shoes filled with chocolate truffles for the holidays? Yes, they are totally cool and unique. But really it’s for St. Nicholas day, December 6^th! Legend has it that once upon a time 3 children wandered away and got lost in a village in the Lorraine area of France. A wicked butcher lured them into his shop where he …well let’s just say it wasn’t good for the 3 kiddos. But there is a happy ending to the creepy story!! Hooray for St. Nicholas who came to save them! Through his intervention, the boys were restored to life and returned to their families! In honor of St. Nicholas and FUN, the night before St. Nicholas day, children put out their shoes (instead of stockings), and sing a song to him before going to bed. Next day, they hopefully find their shoes filled with sweet treats (or birch twigs, whichever the case may be). So, now you know and you’ll be that much more prepared for your next night at Trivia!

Need ideas for Corporate gifts or Christmas parties?

Hand-molded chocolate pine cones and bûches, all filled with truffles and wrapped in voluminous bows – a multitude of gift items filled with chocolates – pastries, cakes, cookies…just come by…you have to see it to believe it all!

Bulk Chocolate!

Just a reminder for those of you who have taken a chocolate class and are planning on making delicious treats for friends and family over the holidays… With several days notice, we will be selling our chocolate chopped in small pieces at $8/pound. However, during our busy holiday season (December through April), please understand that we may not be able to fill any requests due to our own immediate needs.

Holiday Hours!

Yes, just in time for the holidays, we have started opening on Mondays. If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call before you head over! Just to recap, our store hours will be Monday, 9 AM – 5 PM (through the end of December), Tuesday-Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM and Saturday, 8 AM – 5 PM.

Thank you again!
Robert, Patricia and Katia

http://www.maisonrobertchocolates.com/
5256 Peachtree Rd, Suite 110, Atlanta, GA 30341
770/454-6442
Open Monday 9 AM – 5 PM (through the end of December), Tuesday-Friday 8 AM – 6 PM, Saturday 8 AM – 5 PM
Follow us on Twitter @MaisonRobert

Good luck to all the Half Marathon runners! David (brother) and I will be running, too!

Coming next month:
Les Bûches de Noël! More Stollen! Christmas cookies! More voluminous bows!